Madina Lake bassist Matthew Leone released from hospital

Madina Lake bassist Matthew Leone, who was badly beaten last week while trying to intervene during a domestic dispute, has been released from a Chicago hospital, according to a blog by the band's frontman and Matthew's twin brother, Nathan. Matthew has already undergone one surgery on his brain, which suffered massive swelling, and he has a second surgery scheduled for July 16.

Nathan Leone wrote, "So we’d finally convinced the doctors to let me take matthew home. He was going nuts in the hospital and they agreed that he would benefit from a more comfortable environment. The only goal at this point is get him strong enough for his 2nd brain surgery which is scheduled for the 16th. It’s going to be a tenuous couple of weeks, we’ll watch him 24 hrs a day, make sure he sits still, rests and heals to the fullest extent possible. We know from the doctors that his future prognosis remains guarded since the permanency of the physical and neuropsychological damage is yet unknown."

He went onto thank fans and supporters during this trying time. "I’ve learned more about humanity in the past 6 days than I had my entire life. Sometimes it’s easy to get down on the world, people, life, life-situation, yourself, whatever.. especially when something like this happens. But the overwhelming reaction we’ve gotten from the community that has rallied around Matthew has proven how lucky we are to have all of you in our lives. Aside from the calls, texts, emails, gifts and well wishes, we’ve heard of groups/organizations being created to bring awareness to domestic violence, violence against women and violence in general.. there are benefits being put together, auctions, special events, donation inquiries, etc. it’s truly extraordinary,.. thank you. You guys keep up the positive energy and i swear i’ll do everything in my power to get him back to 100% ASAP. you’ll never know how grateful we are… all the love in the world."

In an interview today, Madina Lake frontman Nathan Leone said that his twin brother Matthew—who was savagely beaten earlier this week while intervening during a domestic dispute—has taken a turn for the better. Matthew Leone has been in and out of consciousness during the past three days after suffering a broken jaw, a broken nose and a fractured skull. Nathan Leone said, "It was touch and go for a while there, but at this point, things are starting to turn around, which is wonderful. The first couple of days, [Matthew] couldn't recognize me or say anything coherent, but this morning he did. And now he's aware and talking and moving around a little, which is wonderful. So the prognosis is getting better by the hour."

Nathan Leone also said that Chicago police have made an arrest in connection to the assault. He added that while he was at his brother's bedside, Nathan read e-mails and comments posted online from fans and claims the support helped save his Matthew's life. "The outpouring of support has been amazing," Leone said. "Every band we've ever toured with, every Facebook and MySpace outlet has been going crazy with love and support. We've heard from friends, fans, neighbors, labels and management. It's honestly overwhelming. When something horrible happens, you're inclined to despise humanity, but this proves how many amazing people there are in the world."

The Leone brothers don't have health insurance, but Nathan says, "We'll deal with that when we have to." For now, he expects Matthew to be released from the hospital in three to five days. Matthew will have to wear protective headgear until doctors re-attach parts of his skull.

ORIGINAL POST: 12:05 a.m. 7/1

According to a post on Madina Lake's Tumblr, bassist Matthew Leone--twin brother of frontman Nathan Leone--was badly beaten earlier this week while intervening during a domestic dispute he stumbled upon in the streets of Chicago. Leone encountered a man beating his wife, subdued the man and called the police and during the altercation, the man jumped Leone from behind and beat him unconscious. Leone is currently hospitalized and had to have a third of his skull removed due to swelling in his brain.

His brother, Nathan Leone, wrote, "I’m afraid I have some of the worst news that has ever hit our lives. It’s almost impossible to even type this update. A few nights ago, Matthew walked from my apt. a block and a half down the street to meet a friend for a drink. half way there he saw a man severely beating his wife. Being the most amazing, strong, heroic and incredible person I know.. even though the guy was twice his size, Matthew intervened. He managed to subdue this guy for a second and since his wife was beat up pretty good called the cops.. as he did so the guy jumped him from behind and beat him. This guy did things I can’t even type. After words, he and his beaten wife left Matthew unconcious on the street. Matthew is in the hospital with a third of his skull removed as we wait for the swelling in his brain to go down. I’d rather not share any additional information at this time besides the fact that he acted as a hero (as he always would in any of these situations) and is paying a horrific price. Pease send all your love and good energy and vibrations to him. I’ve been and will be next to him throughout the entire recovery process. We don’t know enough yet details about how that will develop.. but it has shocked, stunned, disgusted our best friends, family and band (which are both). The world can be evil beyond belief and as much as we want this evil eliminated, right now our hearts heads and energies need to go to my best friend, soul mate, hero, and angel, Matthew. Love you all and will be in touch as soon as I can muster up the emotional energy to reach out again. Please, be safe and peaceful as we get through this impossible time."

Our thoughts are with Leone during this time and we'll keep you posted as more news becomes available.